Nongshim Co., Ltd. (Korean: 농심, Nongshim) is a South Korean multinational food and beverage company best known for its instant noodles, snack foods, beverages, and food ingredients. The company is one of the largest food manufacturers in South Korea and has become one of the world’s leading producers of instant noodles. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries, with Shin Ramyun serving as its flagship global brand. [1]

• Company name: Nongshim Co., Ltd.

• Native name: 농심 (Nongshim)

• Founded: September 18, 1965 (originally as Lotte Food Industrial Company)

• Renamed: 1978

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea

• Industry: Food processing

• Products: Instant noodles, snacks, beverages, rice products, frozen foods, sauces, and food ingredients

• Markets served: Over 100 countries across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa

• Parent company: Nongshim Holdings

• Official slogan: “Lovely Life, Lovely Food” (used internationally) [2]

The name “Nongshim” (농심) literally translates to “Farmer’s Heart” or “Heart of Agriculture.” The company explains that its philosophy is rooted in the belief that food begins with agriculture and that providing safe, high-quality food is central to its mission. The company’s seed-shaped logo reflects this agricultural heritage. [1]

Foundation (1965–1977)

Nongshim was founded on September 18, 1965 under the name Lotte Food Industrial Company. During its early years, the company focused on producing instant noodles for the growing Korean market.

Major milestones during this period include:

• 1965 – Company established.

• 1967 – Opened its first manufacturing plant in Busan.

• 1970 – Introduced Korea’s first instant black bean sauce noodles.

• 1971 – Released Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang), which became one of Korea’s most iconic snack foods.

• 1975 – Introduced Nongshim Ramyun.

• 1976 – Listed on the Korean stock exchange and expanded manufacturing facilities. [1]

Becoming Nongshim (1978)

In 1978, the company officially changed its name from Lotte Food Industrial Company to Nongshim, establishing an independent corporate identity focused solely on the food industry. [1]

Growth During the 1980s

The 1980s marked a period of rapid innovation.

Major product launches included:

• 1980 – Potato Chips

• 1981 – Bowl Noodle Soup

• 1982 – Neoguri

• 1983 – Ansungtangmyun

• 1984 – Chapagetti

• 1986 – Shin Ramyun

By the mid-1980s, Nongshim had become the market leader in South Korea’s instant noodle industry. [1]

International Expansion

Beginning in the 1990s, Nongshim expanded aggressively overseas.

Important developments include:

• Construction of manufacturing facilities in China and later the United States.

• Entry into North American and European retail markets.

• Membership in the World Instant Noodles Association.

• Partnerships with major international retailers.

Today, Nongshim products are distributed globally and are commonly found in supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, and mainstream retailers. [2]

Instant Noodles

Nongshim is best known for its extensive noodle lineup.

Popular products include:

• Shin Ramyun

• Shin Ramyun Black

• Neoguri

• Chapagetti

• Ansungtangmyun

• Bowl Noodle Soup

• Kimchi Ramyun

• Soon Veggie Noodle

• Chapaguri (a popular combination of Chapagetti and Neoguri made famous by the film Parasite) [1]

Snacks

Nongshim is also a major snack manufacturer.

Popular snack brands include:

• Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang)

• Potato Chips

• Banana Kick

• Sweet Potato Snack

• Onion Rings

• Honey Twist Snack

These products are widely sold throughout Asia and increasingly in international markets. [1]

Other Food Products

Beyond noodles and snacks, Nongshim produces:

• Rice products

• Frozen foods

• Sauces

• Beverages

• Korean pantry staples

• Premium meal kits [1]

Introduced in 1986, Shin Ramyun is Nongshim’s signature product and one of the world’s best-selling premium instant noodle brands.

It is known for:

• Spicy beef-based broth

• Thick, chewy noodles

• Distinctive red packaging

• Global recognition as a representative Korean instant noodle

The product has become synonymous with Korean instant noodles in many international markets. [1]

Nongshim exports products to more than 100 countries and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in multiple regions, including:

• South Korea

• China

• United States

• Japan

• Australia

The company continues to expand internationally, driven by the growing popularity of Korean cuisine and culture. [2]

Nongshim emphasizes food quality and safety through:

• HACCP-certified production systems

• International quality management standards

• Sustainable manufacturing initiatives

• Green factory certifications in South Korea

The company also supports social responsibility initiatives such as food donations and child nutrition programs. [1]

Nongshim’s corporate philosophy centers on the belief that “Food is Life.” The company aims to provide safe, nutritious, and enjoyable food while maintaining trust with consumers and supporting sustainable growth. Its management principles emphasize customer satisfaction, product quality, innovation, and social responsibility. [1]

Over six decades, Nongshim has grown from a domestic noodle manufacturer into one of South Korea’s most recognizable food brands. Its innovations—particularly Shin Ramyun, Neoguri, Chapagetti, and Shrimp Crackers—have helped popularize Korean food worldwide. As global interest in Korean cuisine continues to rise, Nongshim remains a leading ambassador of Korean packaged foods in international markets. [4]

1. GLOBAL NONGSHIM

2. Story

3. Maker of Shin instant ramen expands overseas as Korean noodles become hit